NCAA Regional Next For UMaine Softball [VIDEO]

The University of Maine softball team is heading to the NCAA tournament after the Black Bears took care of business against the Albany Great Danes in the America East Championship game by a score of 14-1.  The title is Maine's first for the program since 2004.

We are the CHAMPIONS! #AESB #BlackBearNation #AEChamps https://t.co/LzmAteF31Z

— Maine Softball (@Maine_Softball) May 14, 2016

The Black Bears were relentless on offense, scoring 11 runs in the first three innings of play against the Great Danes.  Things got underway in the first inning as Janelle Bouchard drove in a run with an RBI single.  That was followed by three more runs batted in by Felicia Lennon, Alyssa Derrick, and Kristen Niland to give Maine the 4-0 lead after one inning.  Bouchard would later extend the scoring in the second with a two run shot before the Black Bears would finally be retired in the second.  Maine would explode for another five runs in the bottom of the third inning as four more Black Bears drove in runs for the squad.  The base paths were worn down again in the bottom of the fourth as Erika Leonard cleared the bases with a three-run double to make it 14-0 at the time.

Bouchard blasts her fifth HR of the year, a two-run shot gives Maine a 6-0 lead #AESB #BlackBearNation https://t.co/VhKqokZOFg — Maine Softball (@Maine_Softball) May 14, 2016

The offense would be more than enough for the conference Pitcher of the Year in Erin Bogdanovich who was able to shut down the Great Danes throughout the afternoon.  She threw five innings from the circle and allowed a run on four hits and walking no batters.  Boganovich went 2-0 in the tournament and finished up with an undefeated record against America East opponents.  The Black Bears completed the weekend sweep of the tournament and became the first team to stay undefeated through play since 2012.  Maine also now holds the most lopsided win in championship game history in the conference.

With the win, Maine is now heading for the NCAA tournament.  The selection draw will be on Sunday night to see where the Black Bears will be playing next weekend.

America East Tournament Award Winners:

Most Oustanding Player: Erin Bogdanovich

All-Conference Team: Erin Bogdanovich, Janelle Bouchard, & Felicia Lennon